The hiring of more drivers, which includes a starting wage jump of $2 an hour, is part of an effort to provide reliable, timely public transit service.

Fred Westbrook Jr., president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26, said the rise in pay may attract some applicants, but the rate will have to increase even more to keep them. The union is seeking higher pay for bus drivers — which tops out at $16.25 — to match pay in suburban transit operations, such as $19 to start for SMART bus drivers and $23 for bus drivers in Ann Arbor. For the full story, click here.